Ky. Transportation Cabinet Looking Ahead To I-75/275 Interchange Upgrades

KYTC wants you to complete an online survey as solutions to congestion at the I-75/275 interchange are explored.

Bridge decks making up part of the Interstate 75 and 275 interchange in Erlanger. Photo courtesy Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

(Erlanger, Ky.) - One of the most important highway interchanges in the tri-state is about to get a close look at how it can handle increasing traffic more efficiently and safely.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced Tuesday the launch of a study to identify improvements to the Interstates 75 and 275 interchange and the vicinity in Erlanger.

KYTC’s goal is to identify planned improvements by early 2020.

The busy interchange is critical to the flow of traffic throughout northern Kentucky. Today, it is carrying more than twice the level of traffic it was originally designed to handle. Merging to and from other roads – Donaldson Highway, Turfway Road, and Dixie Highway – adds to the congestion and delays.

Traffic problems are only expected to get worse unless improvements are made to I-75/275’s interchange. Northern Kentucky continues to experience rapid growth, particularly within Boone County and in areas near the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport.

“It’s our job to make sure that our transportation system meets the needs of the population and the businesses located here,” said Bob Yeager, Chief District Engineer for KYTC District 6.

“We see the problems at the interchange, hear the public’s concerns and are committed to making improvements. Through this study and the modifications that come from it, we will be better able to support our existing communities and the tremendous economic growth taking place — not to mention the hundreds of new jobs that growth is creating.”

KYTC wants public input for the scoping study. You can complete the online survey at www.75275interchange.org. Project updates and notices will also be shared there.

The study will eventually lead to a “preferred improvement plan” comprised of several short-term and long-term solutions. The cabinet says those improvements will likely be completed in phases. Specific timing on construction won’t be known until funding is secured.

“Right now, we are at the beginning of a multi-phase project development process,” said Mike Bezold, the I-75/I-275 Interchange Scoping Study project manager for KYTC. “Once we know what improvements we want to make and have the necessary funding in hand, we will focus on developing detailed project designs and construction plans, as well as performing any necessary right-of-way and utility coordination tasks. Then, we will be able to start working on construction.”

In addition to the project website, you can get updates on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s social media pages or by emailing a request to info@75275Interchange.org.